Music, music, music

Music makes the world go round…

From borrowing records, making mix-tapes, burning cds to playlists. Playlists are awesome.

Workout Playlist. I have extremely specific playlists for working out – specifically running. I like to start with a steady, upbeat song, and the longer the run, the more high-energy song I need (I challenge anyone to not run an extra half-mile when Big Freedia’s “Excuse” comes on).

Roadtrip Playlist. Something specific to the geography or the journey. A musical grab bag.

Writing Playlist. Unfortunately, when I am trying to write it’s difficult to listen to words when I am trying to make up my words – so that playlist is mainly made up of classical, Dave Brubeck, Django Reinhardt, John Coltrane, and Miles Davis.

Dentist Playlist. Due to a sadistic childhood dentist, I have never left a dentist in anything less than tears. Music helps – so I can drown out the sound of the drill or the scraping. Very relaxing, calming music. However, this can backfire like the time I had on my playlist and they gave me a shot in the mouth. Needless to say, “Wouldn’t it be nice” by the Beach Boys is forever tainted. It also caused my dentist to write me a prescription for Valium to be taken before I am to step foot in his office.

Louis Armstrong Playlist. Louis works for everything. There is something that has always calmed me down and cheered me up listening to Satchmo.

Bad-Ass Women Blues Playlist. Also automatic good mood generator. Lots of Nina Simons, Etta James, Big Maybelle, Big Mama Thorton, Aretha Franklin, Valerie Wellington, Tina Turner (when she was with Ike), and LaVern Baker (who inspired me while I was writing my prohibition paper). I also have a men’s blues, and just all-around blues playlists.

Oddly Mellow Dudes Playlist. Selections from George Harrison, John Lennon, Billy Joel, Happy Talk Band, Lyle Lovett, Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Costello, Olu Dara, Johnny Cash, Nirvana (unplugged), Mike Scott, Paul Simon, David Bowie, Roy Orbison, the Police, Nick Lowe, and Otis Redding…

I could go on and on… But the point is that music alleviates, helps you get your groove on, inspires you, forces you to tear off your clothes and dance in your underwear alone in your room, or allows you to sit patiently on a plane for hours and stare out a window.

I have also had some songs “inspired” by me – or so I have been told (and shown) – but I have to say that my favorite occurred a few years ago. My friends threw me a fabulous surprise birthday party. Part of the night’s events were some friends reading poems and stories and performing songs.

Dave Ray performed “Girl, you will be crafting soon.” In a wig and boa, I might add. Magnificent.

But my all-time favorite is by Trixie, singing “Hey, Sally Asher.”

That Christmas, Trixie and Dave recorded the songs for me as a gift.

They never fail to make me smile, calm me down, cheer me up, and keep me going. So I try to save them for when I really need it. It reminds me of not only how fantastic and wildly creative my friends are but also how supportive and thoughtful they are.

Have a listen!…

Girl, You Will Be Crafting Soon

Hey, Sally Asher!